Peter Holden (1)

This latest edition contains: some improvements in presentation; up-to-date population figures; information on the conservation status of each species; and a slight re-ordering of classification, based on the latest knowledge of the evolutionary relatedness of bird families.

I have used several different bird books over the years, but, in my opinion, this is by far the best single book for birdwatchers in Britain. I know that many birders rate other books, such as the Collins Bird Guide, more show more highly as identification guides. But this book is perfectly adequate for identifying birds in most circumstances, and it has the advantage of being much more than just an identification guide.

As well as excellent illustrations and details on identification, voice, habitat and habits, there are sections for each bird on its food, breeding behaviour, distribution, movements, migration, population and conservation. So if you want to know something about the lives of the birds you are identifying and enjoying, then this is the book for you.

Of course, this book only covers British birds, whereas the Collins Guide covers all European birds. But the Collins Guide has the big disadvantage of having maps which are far too small, whereas the maps in this RSPB Handbook are excellent. (There is a distribution map for each species on the same page as the illustrations and text for that species.) show less

Extremely accessible and informative: This is a very impressive all round birdguide. Most guides limit themselves to merely providing details about how to identify species, this book not only perfroms that function perfectly well but in addition offers notes on what makes birds fascinating - their ecology, habitats, conservation status and movements. So, for example, you are not only told how to differentiate between a male and female Grey Partridge but also that they have declined by 84% in show more the last 25 years and that this is linked to a reduction in suitable nesting cover on farmland and insecticide use. In this way the book gives more of a clear overall picture of British bird species than almost any other book I know. Do not buy this book if you intend to find the definitive identification guide. But for anyone looking for a book that will provide interesting general information about bird species then this is for you. show less

This is actually a great little reference book. Good illustrations of most of the common birds in the UK - although we've found one or two which don't feature. The points table in the back is nice for having an idea how rare they are. Very much recommended for younger bird spotters - and in a handy size too.

I bought this second hand book for two reasons; the first because I want to know what is rooting around in my garden, knocking things over and leaving piles of doo-doo where I wish it wouldn't. The second, it was clear the previous owner had hardly even opened it - almost new - and it only cost £1:00

Almost new for only a quid (cover price £9:99) I couldn't resist it and it's crammed full of all sorts of stuff I want to know.

Being a publication from the Royal Society for the Protection of show more Birds (RSPB) this book has a very green and eco friendly message. There is plenty about creating a 'wildlife garden' and how to be a 'greener gardener.' All this is very altruistic and well meaning of course and something that all conscientious gardeners should take more notice of. It is also full of information about the pests in the garden and how best to discourage them and mitigate the damage they do.

And although I haven't found the section yet, I sure somewhere in the book, it'll tell me what is using my vegetable patch as a potty. show less